What Is the DJI Fly App and Which Drones Support It?
The DJI Fly app is the free software that controls almost every current DJI drone, from the Mini and Air series to the Mavic 4 Pro, Neo, and Flip. It runs the live camera feed, automated shots, exposure, and safety settings - and it is where new pilots get stuck first, because almost none of it is obvious the first time you open it. Launched alongside the original Mavic Mini, DJI Fly has steadily replaced the older DJI GO 4 app as the go-to platform for consumer pilots worldwide.
DJI Fly vs DJI Go 4 vs DJI RC Pro: Which App Do You Need?
The DJI GO 4 app kept the Mavic 2 series, Phantom 4 Pro, Mavic Pro, and Spark, while every newer consumer drone moved to DJI Fly. If you are piloting anything released after 2019, DJI Fly is your app. DJI also makes DJI Pilot 2 for enterprise drones like the Matrice and Mavic 3 Enterprise series, which sits in an entirely different category for commercial operators.
As for the controller question: the DJI RC-N3 and RC-N2 (the ones with no screen) are just a cradle - your phone runs DJI Fly and does the work. The DJI RC 2, RC Pro, and RC Pro 2 have a built-in screen with DJI Fly already installed, so you do not need a phone at all.
Full List of Compatible DJI Drones (Mini Series, Air Series, Avata)
DJI Fly is compatible with: DJI Lito X1, DJI Lito 1, DJI Avata 360, DJI Neo 2, DJI Mini 5 Pro, DJI Mavic 4 Pro, DJI Flip, DJI Air 3S, DJI NEO, DJI Mini 4 Pro, DJI Air 3, DJI Mavic 3 Pro, DJI Mini 2 SE, DJI Mini 3, DJI Mavic 3 Classic, DJI Avata, DJI Mini 3 Pro, DJI Mavic 3, DJI Mini SE, DJI Air 2S, DJI FPV, DJI Mini 2, Mavic Air 2, Mavic Mini, and DJI Avata 2. In short, if DJI made it after late 2019, it almost certainly belongs in the DJI Fly ecosystem.
Supported Devices: iOS and Android Requirements
DJI Fly is designed to be the simplest and ultra-intuitive app for the latest consumer drones, requiring iOS 11.0 or above or Android 7.0 or above. For the smoothest experience, DJI recommends more recent OS versions. The app dropped iOS 12 and earlier from v1.13.4 in April 2024, with DJI recommending iOS 13 or later. On Android, budget handsets with unusual screen resolutions or heavily modified builds can exhibit compatibility issues, so always verify against DJI's official compatibility list before assuming a hardware problem.
How to Download and Install DJI Fly App
Downloading from the App Store and Google Play
On iPhone and iPad, open the App Store, search DJI Fly, and install it like any other app. The process is identical to installing any free productivity app. iOS users are covered - the complexity falls entirely on the Android side.
Sideloading the APK on Android: Step-by-Step
This is one of the single most important things every Android pilot needs to know. DJI removed DJI Fly from the Google Play Store years ago and has not brought it back. DJI has never given an official reason, but it is widely attributed to Google policy friction. As a result, Android users have to download the app directly from DJI's website as an APK installer.
DJI Fly has not been available on the Google Play Store since version 1.2.4 in 2021. Every Android user who downloads the app from Google Play gets a version so outdated it will not connect to any current DJI drone. This one fact explains a staggering number of "my drone won't connect" threads on every pilot forum online.
Here is the correct Android sideload process:
- On your Android phone's browser, navigate to dji.com/downloads/djiapp/dji-fly.
- Tap the download button to grab the latest APK file.
- When prompted, allow installation from this source via Settings > Apps > your browser > Install unknown apps > Allow.
- Open the downloaded file and tap through any warnings to complete installation.
- Future updates must also be sideloaded in the same way - the app will notify you when a new version is available.
Creating and Setting Up Your DJI Account
Before you fly, you need a free DJI account. Open the app, tap Profile, and register with your email address. Your account stores flight logs, drone registrations, unlock authorisations, and Academy progress. Keep the same account across devices to maintain a consistent flight record - this becomes important for FAA Part 107 record-keeping later on.
Linking Your Drone to the App for the First Time
If you are using a screen-based controller like the RC 2 or RC Pro, DJI Fly comes pre-installed and your drone will pair automatically on first power-up. For phone-dependent setups with an RC-N2 or RC-N3, plug your phone into the controller's USB port, then open DJI Fly - the app will detect the aircraft and prompt you through the activation and linking sequence. DJI's power-on protocol is: turn on the controller first, wait 15 - 20 seconds, then power on the drone. Powering the drone first, or both simultaneously, sometimes causes the initialization handshake to fail.
DJI Fly App Interface Walkthrough
Home Screen Overview: Sky Guide, Academy, and Profile
The DJI Fly home screen is divided into four main tabs. The Sky Guide (also called Fly Spots) tab surfaces community-shared flight locations, local weather data, and sunrise/sunset times to help you plan shoots. The DJI Academy tab takes pilots from novice to pro with a growing library of interactive tutorials, quizzes, and skill-building challenges. The Profile tab houses your flight records, drone registration info, and account settings.
Pre-Flight Dashboard Explained
Tapping the Fly button on the home screen opens the pre-flight dashboard. Here you will see your drone's connection status, GPS satellite count, battery percentage, storage remaining, and any active safety warnings. Think of this screen as your mission briefing - do not skip it. The integrated map also displays your current location and surrounding airspace zones colour-coded by restriction level.
Camera View Controls and On-Screen Indicators
Once in flight, the camera view shows live video from the drone's gimbal alongside an array of critical on-screen indicators: altitude (above takeoff point), distance from home point, horizontal and vertical speed, wind speed, transmission signal strength, and remaining battery time. On the right side you will find quick-access icons for photo/video toggle, shooting modes, and the settings panel. Along the bottom left sits the mini-map for spatial awareness.
Understanding the Safety and Warning Icons
DJI Fly uses a colour-coded status bar at the top of the camera view. Green means all systems normal. Yellow signals a caution - often a calibration warning or airspace advisory. Red indicates a critical alert that may prevent takeoff. Pay attention to these; they are DJI's most direct communication channel with you during a mission.
Pre-Flight Checklist Using DJI Fly
How to Check Airspace Authorization Within the App (LAANC Integration)
Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) allows pilots to check airspace restrictions and request authorization from the FAA, providing near real-time authorization for flights in controlled airspace. Inside DJI Fly, you access this by expanding the map view before flight. DJI Fly overlays airspace restriction data sourced from DJI's FlySafe database: red zones indicate no-fly areas (typically within 5 miles of major airports, military installations, and Washington D.C. restrictions); yellow zones are advisory areas requiring caution and often authorisation.
LAANC authorization is an almost-instantaneous process that lets you get immediate authorization to fly in controlled airspace. Drone pilots may use LAANC to receive a near real-time automatic authorization for drone operations under 400 feet in controlled airspace around airports, available to Part 107 pilots and recreational flyers alike.
Satellite Signal and GPS Lock: What Numbers Are Safe?
Many "No GPS" warnings occur when the drone does not detect at least 12 satellites. As a general rule, wait until you have at least 10 - 12 satellites showing green on the pre-flight dashboard before taking off. Standing near metal structures, vehicles, or power lines can block satellite reception - moving into an open field and rotating the drone helps it establish a stable lock faster.
Battery Level, Gimbal Calibration, and Firmware Status
Never launch with less than 80% battery on a new flight session. DJI Fly will display low-battery warnings at your custom threshold (default is 30%) and a critical battery warning when automatic landing is imminent (default 10%). Check gimbal calibration status in Settings > Control. If the horizon looks tilted on the live view, run an auto-calibration before takeoff - it takes under a minute. When you connect your drone, DJI Fly checks for firmware updates automatically. A banner appears at the top of the screen if an update is available - tap it to update wirelessly.
Setting Your Home Point Correctly
The home point is where your drone returns during an RTH event or signal loss. DJI Fly sets the home point automatically on the first GPS lock after takeoff. Always confirm the home point icon on the map matches your actual takeoff location before flying beyond visual line of sight. If you drive to a new spot and power up without walking away from the vehicle, your home point may be offset - check it every single flight.
Flight Modes in DJI Fly App
Normal, Sport, and Cine Mode: Differences and When to Use Each
Normal mode is the default and the one most pilots use for filming. In Normal mode, all obstacle avoidance sensors are active, GPS hold keeps the drone at its current coordinates, and maximum speed is limited to a comfortable range that allows time to react. All automated features including FocusTrack, QuickShots, and Hyperlapse require Normal mode to activate.
Sport mode increases maximum speed and responsiveness by disabling most obstacle avoidance sensors. The drone tilts at steeper angles for faster acceleration and responds to stick inputs more aggressively - with obstacle avoidance off, Sport mode requires clear airspace and full pilot attention.
Cine mode limits speed and responsiveness to produce smoother, more gradual stick response for filming. Maximum speed in Cine mode is typically 6 - 8 m/s depending on the model, and the drone accelerates and decelerates more gently when you release the sticks.
Beginner Mode: Should New Pilots Use It?
Yes - at least for your first two or three batteries. Beginner Mode applies a combined altitude and distance cap (typically 30 metres in both axes), preventing the drone from venturing into territory you are not yet comfortable managing. Once you have internalised the basic control inputs, disable it in Settings > Safety and enjoy the full operational envelope.
ATTI Mode: What Happens When GPS Is Lost
ATTI mode sounds advanced but modern drones only enter it as a failsafe. In ATTI mode, GPS positioning is unavailable and the drone relies solely on its barometer to hold altitude. It will drift with the wind. If this happens mid-flight, maintain calm stick inputs, reduce throttle slowly, and land as soon as possible. Flying indoors or near structures that block GPS can trigger ATTI mode without warning - always be mentally prepared for it.
Return to Home (RTH): Automatic vs Manual
RTH can be triggered in three ways: automatically on signal loss, automatically at critical battery, or manually by holding the RTH button on your controller. Before doing so, ensure your RTH altitude is set above all obstacles between the drone and home. Keep Max Altitude at or below the 400 ft (120 m) legal limit, and set RTH altitude above the tallest obstacle near your home point.
Intelligent Flight Modes and QuickShots
Dronie, Helix, Rocket, Boomerang, Asteroid, and Circle Explained
QuickShots are pre-programmed flight patterns designed to create dramatic clips with minimal setup. Common options include Dronie, Rocket, Circle, Helix
